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IN HB1197
Bill
Status
1/10/2019
Primary Sponsor
David Frizzell
Click for details
AI Summary
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Establishes the Indiana Board of Physical Therapy as a new independent regulatory body with 5 physical therapists, 1 physical therapist assistant, and 1 consumer member, replacing oversight by the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana and removing the physician member requirement.
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Extends the period physical therapists may treat patients without a provider referral from 24 days to 90 days, and adds physician assistants and nurse practitioners to the list of practitioners who may issue referrals.
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Sets new licensure requirements including graduation from accredited programs, criminal background checks, and limits applicants to six examination attempts; establishes specific credential evaluation pathways for foreign-educated applicants.
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Creates exemptions from licensure for physical therapists licensed in other states who are teaching at seminars (up to 60 days/year), providing telemedicine consultations, working with traveling athletic teams, or practicing during declared emergencies.
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Defines supervision levels (direct, general, onsite) and establishes that physical therapist assistants work under general supervision of a physical therapist, while physical therapy aides must work under direct supervision.
Legislative Description
Regulation of physical therapists. Establishes the Indiana board of physical therapy (board). (Current law regulates physical therapy under the medical licensing board of Indiana, with certain functions delegated to the Indiana physical therapy committee.) Creates a new definition of "physical therapy" and adds or amends other definitions. Amends certain prohibited acts to include business entities. Changes the term "physical therapist's assistant" to "physical therapist assistant". Adds physician assistants and nurse practitioners to the list of persons who may issue an order to a physical therapist. Allows a physical therapist to treat a patient for 90 days without a referral from a provider. (Current law allows treatment for 24 days.) Provides that certain individuals are exempt from license and certification requirements. Adds two physical therapists and a physical therapist assistant to the board and removes the physician member. Establishes requirements for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who have been educated outside the United States. Establishes requirements to sit for the licensure and certification examinations. Allows the applicant to take the examination not more than six times. Allows the board to disqualify an applicant for certain acts related to the examination. Requires a person who seeks reinstatement for a lapsed license to demonstrate evidence of continuing competence. Establishes certain responsibilities for physical therapists. Allows a physical therapist assistant to work under a physical therapist. Transfers the rules, duties, and records concerning physical therapy from the medical licensing board of Indiana to the board. Makes conforming changes.
Last Action
First reading: referred to Committee on Public Health
1/10/2019